Mount Union to add Lacrosse as Varsity Sport

The University of Mount Union Board of Trustees approved to add men's and women's lacrosse teams to the intercollegiate athletic program during its annual spring meeting.

Starting in the fall of 2011 lacrosse will be offered as a club sport, with men's and women's varsity competition beginning in 2012-13.

Searches for head coaches of both teams will start immediately, and once hired, those coaching staffs will spend the 2011-2012 academic year recruiting.

"The addition of men's and women's lacrosse at Mount Union is compatible with the mission of the University – preparing students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work and responsible citizenship," said Dr. Richard F. Giese, president of Mount Union. "It advances our strategic plan, and as America's fastest growing sport, lacrosse is the perfect fit to our vibrant athletic program."

Mount Union, an NCAA Division III institution, is a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference but the Purple Raider lacrosse teams initially will compete as an independent as the OAC does not currently sponsor the sport.

The addition of the teams will bring the total number of athletic teams at Mount Union to 23 (12 men and 11 women). Mount Union currently sponsors intercollegiate athletic teams in men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, football, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's swimming and diving, wrestling, baseball, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's golf and men's and women's track and field.